Microsoft Planner: Team Task Management in Microsoft 365
A cloud-based tool for planning, team coordination, and project management. From simple Kanban boards to full portfolio management.
About the product
What is Microsoft Planner?
Microsoft Planner is a cloud-based task and project management tool built into Microsoft 365. It replaced separate applications such as Project for the web and Tasks in Teams and, since August 2025, has become the single entry point for all work with plans, projects, and personal tasks in the Microsoft ecosystem.
Planner is designed for teams of any size: from small departments to divisions of large corporations. Its simple Kanban interface makes it easy to get started without lengthy training, while premium features cover the needs of managing complex projects with dependencies, baselines, and goal-oriented planning.
| Solution type | Cloud SaaS, part of Microsoft 365 |
| Company size | Any — from startup to enterprise |
| Interface language | Ukrainian, English, and 50+ languages |
| Key integration | Teams, SharePoint, Outlook, Power Automate |
| 2025 highlight | Project for the web was fully replaced by Planner (August 2025) |
Functionality
Key Microsoft Planner capabilities in 2025–2026
Planner continues to evolve — here are the main features relevant to your business today.
Kanban boards and multiple views
Board (Kanban), Grid (table), Timeline (Gantt-like), People (by assignee), and Goals (by objectives). Tasks can be easily filtered by owner, due date, and priority.
Integration with Microsoft Teams
Planner is fully embedded in Teams: tasks can be viewed and edited directly in the team chat, and plans can be added as tabs in channels. All communication stays alongside the tasks.
AI Project Manager Agent
✦ AI · Copilot
A built-in AI agent automatically generates a plan based on a goal description, suggests tasks and deadlines, creates reports, and monitors risks. A Microsoft 365 Copilot license is required.
Portfolio management (Portfolios)
The Portfolios feature combines multiple plans into a single view and allows you to track progress, status, and key dates across all initiatives in one place.
Tasks with a complex structure
In the premium tier: subtasks, task dependencies (with lead and lag), baselines for comparing plan vs. actual, and change tracking (Task History).
Power Automate integration
Automate routine processes: task assignment, notifications, and status updates. Hundreds of ready-made templates are available for typical business scenarios.
Plans
Basic Planner vs Planner Premium
Choose the level of functionality that matches your team’s needs.
| Feature | Basic Planner | Planner Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Kanban boards | ✓ | ✓ |
| Timeline (Gantt) | — | ✓ |
| Subtasks | — | ✓ |
| Task dependencies | — | ✓ (with lead/lag) |
| Baselines | — | ✓ |
| Plan portfolios | — | ✓ |
| Goals | — | ✓ |
| AI Project Manager Agent | — | Requires Microsoft 365 Copilot |
| Custom fields | — | ✓ |
Who it’s for
Who is Microsoft Planner suitable for?
Teams already using Microsoft 365 and Teams
Managers who need a simple and easy-to-understand tool without lengthy training
Organizations looking for a replacement for Project for the web (after its closure in August 2025)
Companies that want to unify communication, documents, and tasks in one environment
Project management offices that need a portfolio view without implementing a separate EPM system
Good to know
Microsoft Planner limitations
- Limited resource management capabilities — no full-featured resource management
- Portfolio management is not available in the basic plan
- Limited report customization without Power BI
- AI features require a separate Microsoft 365 Copilot license
Our services
How Progresia helps implement Microsoft Planner
Progresia is an authorized Microsoft partner in Ukraine with proven expertise in implementing Microsoft 365 products.
Analysis of current task and project management processes
We study how your team’s work is currently organized, which tools are used, and where bottlenecks arise.
Configuration of plan structure, Buckets, and custom fields
We adapt Planner to your processes and methodology so that your team can start working effectively from the very first week.
Integration with Teams, SharePoint, and Power Automate
We configure automation for routine processes and ensure connectivity between all Microsoft 365 tools in your organization.
Training for team members and managers
We provide training for all levels: from individual contributors to project managers and PMO leaders.
Power BI reports and dashboards setup
We develop analytical dashboards to monitor task execution and provide portfolio-level visibility for management.
Submit a request for Planner implementation
Want to set up Microsoft Planner for your team or migrate from another tool? Get a free initial consultation.